In our effort to reduce community spread of COVID-19, we are asking all patients to PLEASE CALL AHEAD before visiting a clinic. Click Learn More to find out how to make an informed choice about where to go for care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maternity

**We know you may have lots of questions and concerns around COVID-19. The CDC has compiled a list of FAQs related to pregnancy, breastfeeding and children. Visit the CDC's website on COVID-19 to learn more.**

Here are some important things you should know as you prepare to deliver your baby:

COVID-19 testing will be done for all maternity patients delivering in our hospitals. Patients with a scheduled induction of labor or scheduled cesarean will be tested 2-3 days beforehand at an outpatient testing site. A nurse will contact you to coordinate a date/time and location convenient for you. All other patients will be tested after arriving at the maternity center. This allows the team to develop the best plan of care for mothers and babies.

Your care team in the maternity center will be wearing personal protective equipment to help protect themselves and you.

We encourage moms and their support person to bring a handmade mask with them to wear during labor and delivery.

We are now able to offer you a cloth mask, if you do not have your own to bring with you to the hospital. You may use the mask and take it home with you when you are discharged.

These efforts are meant to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Thank you!

Congratulations on your pregnancy! We are so glad you are looking at UnityPoint Health – Des Moines for this exciting time for you and your family. At all three of the UnityPoint Health - Des Moines Maternity Centers you will find experienced and caring physicians, nurses and support staff who will help you welcome the newest member of your family. We believe in a family-centered approach to maternity care. Our team is here to respond to your needs with the highest level of skill, professionalism and compassion.

At UnityPoint Health – Des Moines we offer families a wide range of services during each stage of your pregnancy and beyond:

Individualized attention – We know each birth experience is unique and our nurses are always available to help and offer support as you become acquainted with your baby.

Highly skilled staff – Our nurses are specially trained to offer you the care that you and your newborn will need before and during the first few days after birth. If the need arises, Blank Children's Hospital physicians and specialists are on hand at each of our maternity centers to provide neonatal support.

Specially designed maternity units – Labor, delivery and recovery all take place in the same room on our units allowing mom and family to remain in one location during their stay. State-of-the-art surgical suites are also available right on the maternity units at all three of our hospitals to ensure that they are available when needed.

A family-friendly visitor policy – We understand that the birth experience is exciting for all members of your family. The mother's support person is encouraged to remain with her throughout her stay and other family members may visit at any time. We will work with mothers to limit visitors when extra rest and recovery are needed.